Non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet

Abstract

The present invention is a fire-safe, non-incendiary tracer bullet that utilizes a rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source to illuminate the ballistic trajectory. The rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source, comprised of a light-emitting diode (LED), laser diode or equivalent, along with an electrical power supply and switch, is recessed into a cavity formed in the hollow base of the bullet so that emitted light is visible primarily to the shooter, regardless of the emitted wavelengths.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet characterized by: 
 a rearward shining directional light source, and    a power source for said directional light source.    
     
     
         2 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the rearward shining directional light source is shock resistant and electrically powered.  
     
     
         3 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 2  in which the rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source is a light emitting diode.  
     
     
         4 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 2  in which the rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source is a laser diode.  
     
     
         5 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the rearward shining directional light source emits visible light.  
     
     
         6 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the rearward shining directional light source emits infrared light.  
     
     
         7 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the rearward shining directional light source emits ultraviolet light.  
     
     
         8 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the power source is one or more electrochemical cells.  
     
     
         9 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 8  in which electrochemical activation of the one or more electrochemical cells is brought about by wetting the electrodes with an electrolyte.  
     
     
         10 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 9  in which the electrochemical activation of at least one electrochemical cell is initiated by rupture of the electrolyte containing ampoule, said rupturing being induced by rapid linear acceleration associated with firing the ammunition cartridge.  
     
     
         11 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 10  in which the acceleration is radially directed and arises from axial spin imparted to the bullet by passage through a rifled gun barrel.  
     
     
         12 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 1  in which the power source is comprised of piezoelectric material and a capacitor.  
     
     
         13 . The non-incendiary directionally illuminated tracer bullet of  claim 12  in which the piezoelectric material produces an electric charge when it is deformed when the non-incendiary tracer bullet is deformed by passage through a rifled gun barrel.